Atypical Parkinsonism-A Masked Face: Case Report

Authors and affiliation (s):

Girish B S*, Joel M. Johns, C S Meghana, R Srinivasan

Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Formerly PES College of Pharmacy), PES University – Electronic City Campus, Bangalore, Karnataka, INDIA.

Abstract:

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is an uncommon neurological condition identical to Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in clinical presentation. This makes the illness to be often misdiagnosed. A female who was previously misdiagnosed as PD presented with complaints of off-balance, swallowing difficulty, eye-ball movement restriction along with tremors. The patient was initially treated with Levodopa-Carbidopa, but she became unresponsive to the treatment and the condition gradually worsened. Upon comprehensive clinical discussion and examination, the patient was diagnosed with PSP. Currently, there are no interventions available to manage PSP, whereas physiotherapy and regional exercises are the cornerstone to improve the patient’s state. This is a case of misdiagnosis, and the conclusion of this instance may pave the way for more accurate diagnosis and consequent patient care.

Keywords: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Atypical Parkinsonism, Misdiagnosis.